on a big scale

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a big scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that occurs on a large scale or affects a large number of people. For example: "The government's plan to reduce poverty has been successful on a big scale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can't make one on a big scale.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most of the sins were picayune, but a few were on a big scale; one man was sent to the penitentiary for killing his brother, and there were a couple of young ranchers who traded wives.

The New Yorker

He began dealing in cars at university, "not on a big scale, just one a term".

The Guardian

That hasn't happened on a big scale, but the recent launch of a man into space by Scaled Composites is a start.

Forbes

"This would not be on a big scale - it would be a limited number of flights, one or two a day".

BBC

It's all on a big scale now".

The Guardian - Film

We Nazis like to do things on a big scale.

Independent

You have to be very efficient on a big scale".

The New York Times

They can't comprehend something on a big scale".

The New York Times - Health

The employed protocols are usually problematic and not viable on a big scale.

Carbon

"CCS is already being tested on a big scale and is very close to implementation.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a big scale" when you want to emphasize the size, scope, or impact of an action, project, or event. It suggests that something is not just happening, but happening in a substantial and noticeable way.

Common error

While "on a big scale" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise synonyms like "extensively" or "comprehensively" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a big scale" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the extent or magnitude of an action or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a big scale" is a versatile and commonly used expression that conveys the idea of something occurring extensively or with significant impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and readily applicable in diverse contexts. While predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, its usage remains relatively neutral, fitting comfortably into various writing styles.

For writers aiming for precision, especially in formal settings, alternatives like "extensively", "comprehensively", or "on a large scale" may offer a more refined tone. However, "on a big scale" serves as a reliable and widely understood option when emphasizing the magnitude or scope of an action or event. Remember to use it strategically to highlight the significance of what you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a large scale

Replaces "big" with "large", maintaining the same meaning of considerable size or extent.

on a massive scale

Similar to "on a large scale", but emphasizes the great size and impact involved.

on an enormous scale

Replaces "big" with "enormous", highlighting the exceptionally large size or degree.

on a grand scale

Substitutes "big" with "grand", emphasizing the impressive or ambitious nature of the scale.

at scale

A more concise and business-oriented way to express that something is operating efficiently at a large size.

extensively

This is a shorter, adverbial form that conveys the idea of something being done widely or broadly.

in a big way

Uses a more informal idiom to indicate that something is done to a significant extent.

widely

A single-word adverb that means extensively or broadly.

in a comprehensive manner

Rephrases "comprehensively" to include "manner", making it a bit longer but keeping the intent of thoroughness.

comprehensively

Indicates that something is dealt with thoroughly and completely.

FAQs

How can I use "on a big scale" in a sentence?

You can use "on a big scale" to describe projects, events, or changes that are happening with significant impact or size. For example, "The company is planning to expand its operations "on a big scale" next year".

What are some alternatives to saying "on a big scale"?

Alternatives include "extensively", "on a large scale", or "comprehensively", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "on a big scale" formal or informal?

"On a big scale" is generally considered neutral and can be used in many contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "extensively" or "comprehensively".

What's the difference between "on a big scale" and "on a large scale"?

The phrases "on a big scale" and "on a large scale" are largely interchangeable. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. "Large" may be seen as slightly more formal.